what do short lower legs mean?

Me too. I was told that my bike was hard to fit to me (not custom) due to this
"shortcoming".

hurricane said:

Hello all . I am cycling newbie and have rather short lower legs, i.e. the part of the leg continuing just below the knee cap. Is this a disadvantage, usually people I see cycling have longer legs,

Seeing how there is not much you can do about having short legs....I wouldn't worry about it.

These guys claim that a shorter (with respect to thigh) shin length is an advantage:
http://www.analyticcycling.com/PedalModel_Page.html

hurricane said:

Hello all . I am cycling newbie and have rather short lower legs, i.e. the part of the leg continuing just below the knee cap. Is this a disadvantage, usually people I see cycling have longer legs,

Felice Gimondi (mid-60s tour winner) is relatively short in the tib-fib, too. Or rather, he has comparatively long thighs. You're in good company.

As long as they still reach the ground, I think you'll be fine. 🙂

and i was told a "shortcoming" was an aproaching midget.

actualy short legs may spin up faster.

cdaleguy said:

Me too. I was told that my bike was hard to fit to me (not custom) due to this
"shortcoming".

I had a GF with just this problem. She now rides, very successfully, a Road and a MTB, both bikes have short cranks, 160mm, Road double are Shimano, MTB triple are Sugino.